Leicester Travel guide

Leicester : Michelin's recommendations

Leicester was the capital of the legendary Lear's kingdom, the seat of 8C East Mercian bishops, and one of the five Danelaw towns (with Derby, Lincoln, Nottingham and Stamford) in 865, the time of Viking invasions. Later, William I built a castle here, whose castellans were Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The medieval city prospered thanks to the hosiery trade. More recently, a university and newer industries have enhanced Leicester’s position.

Tourist attractions Leicester : Things to see and do

7 Peacock Lane GB - Leicester LE1 5PZ

The first St Martin's was Norman. The church that replaced it is Early English with a Perpendicular clerestory. Note the Robert Herrick family memorials in the north choir aisle dating back to 1589, the Richard III memorial stone in the chancel and t..

53 New Walk GB - Leicester LE1 7EA

An excellent collection of English painters including Gainsborough, Wright of Derby, Lawrence, Hogarth, Rossetti, Stanley Spencer, Laura Knight and L.S. Lowry and the country's largest collection of German Expressionist works.

Hotels Leicester

De Montfort St GB - Leicester LE1 7GR

Prix Prices from : 59 £

In the heart of Leicester, this elegant Victorian townhouse is less than 500 metres from the railway station. The family-run boutique-style hotel offers free parking, stylish en-suite rooms, and unlimited free Wi-Fi powered by The Cloud. The Belmont..

St George's Way GB - LEICESTER LE1 1PL

Ibis Leicester City is just a short walk from Leicester City Centre, close to the Train Station, Curve Theatre and the Athena. All 94 contemporary guest bedrooms have wireless internet access, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The Restaurant o..

Granby Street GB - LEICESTER LE1 6ES

Prix Prices from : 79 £

Victorian charm meets modern style at this 4-star Leicester hotel. A short drive from the National Space Centre and a short walk from the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel is located in the centre of the city. Complim..

Restaurants Leicester

Smith Way, Grove Park, Enderby GB - Leicester LE19 1SW

27-29 Millstone Ln GB - Leicester LE1 5JN

Set in an interesting, brick-built former shoe factory; the original cast iron girders and pillars still remain. Simple styling, friendly service and a warm, laid-back feel. Unfussy British cooking with some European and Asian influences.

21 Welford Rd GB - Leicester LE2 7AD

Simple, part-panelled restaurant with Indian artefacts on the walls. Appealing South Indian, vegetarian menu with most dishes also suitable for vegans. Tasty, authentic cooking with honest flavours. Good value thalis and buffet lunches.

9 Station St GB - Kibworth Beauchamp LE8 0LN

Deep blue painted building with a crisp white interior decorated with coastal pictures and other nautical knick-knacks; it might have a relaxed atmosphere but the tables are smartly laid. The appealing menu has its emphasis firmly on fresh seafood, o..

41 Halford St GB - Leicester LE1 1TR

Keenly run former warehouse with a smart industrial feel; its floor-to-ceiling windows open onto the pavement. Mix of modern and classic dishes, with influences from Hyderabad, Goa and Bengal. Watch the chefs in the open kitchen.